It is delicious and has just the right amount of kick to it. It only takes about one of these to put you in a tipsy sleepy state so please drink responsibly.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
A Bedtime Cocktail
For the past couple weeks I have been telling all of my girlfriends about my latest cocktail creation. Now that it's been tested by all of my girls I think today is the perfect day for me to share it with you.
It is delicious and has just the right amount of kick to it. It only takes about one of these to put you in a tipsy sleepy state so please drink responsibly.
All you need is a glass of this Barefoot Red Moscato, a generous dash (but not a shot) of Ciroc's Red Berry vodka and enough Cranberry soda to bring it all together. If you want it to be a bit more festive add strawberries, raspberries and blueberries to your glass. I'll share a pic of my drink on IG tonight. (I keep forgetting to snap a pic before drinking mine, LOL! This is that good!)
What will you be doing to bring in the New Year? We'll probably be asleep because I don't like having the kids out late. When Little Mike doesn't get his sleep he becomes a completely different person.
Happy New Year!
It is delicious and has just the right amount of kick to it. It only takes about one of these to put you in a tipsy sleepy state so please drink responsibly.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
2015 Goals Part Two
I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and time with family. Our Christmas was probably one of the best we've had. Not because of the gifts (the kids got stuff but we really didn't exchange gifts) but because of the time we spent together.
Now that Christmas has passed I am on a mission to nail down the perfect way to execute my dreams for 2015. I already know what they are I just need to figure out how to get all these things done. I see some late nights in my future.
I previously shared that one of my goals for 2015 is to become a Certified Personal Trainer. Another goal that I have is to publish an eBook. Initially I wanted to have it ready for January but I stopped focusing on a lot of projects after my crazy summer.
Well I am back on track and ready to get things rolling again. Hopefully I'll be done with it by the end of Spring or early Summer.
Any 2015 goals you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments! Oh. And feel free to subscribe to my mailing list to receive a copy of the eBook when I'm done.
Monday, December 22, 2014
The New Menu at Chuck E. Cheese
Last week my family had the opportunity taste the new Chuck E. Cheese menu created specifically for grown-up tastebuds. Before this tasting I was very familiar with the pizza and salad bar at Chuck E. Cheese.
As a kid I had many birthday parties there and now as a parent we go to Chuck E. Cheese a couple times a month for play time and lunch. I love going during the week when it's less crowded. If you've never been during the week I highly recommend it. It's a completely different experience than going on the weekends.
On our next visit I'll be ordering the new BBQ Chicken pizza. It was delicious. The crust was thin and crispy and the pizza was drizzled with the yummiest sauce. My husband and I both enjoyed the flavor of this pizza.
My husband's favorite from the new menu is the Italian Sandwich. We love a good sandwich. It's also a healthier option if you're not in the mood for pizza.
There were so many new sandwiches, wraps (the club wrap was pretty tasty!), wings (the order the sweet chili boneless - thank me later), breadsticks and pizza dogs were all really good.
Once you've had your lunch don't forget to try some of the new desserts. The new and improved cinnamon sticks were so good I could easily see myself enjoying those instead of birthday cake. A San Antonio favorite will definitely be the new Churros served with salted caramel and white chocolate icing. Yes. Yes. Yes.
If you're planning a trip to Chuck E. Cheese soon I encourage you to check out the new menu. When was the last time you took a trip to see Chuck and his friends? What are you excited to try from the new menu?
As a kid I had many birthday parties there and now as a parent we go to Chuck E. Cheese a couple times a month for play time and lunch. I love going during the week when it's less crowded. If you've never been during the week I highly recommend it. It's a completely different experience than going on the weekends.
On our next visit I'll be ordering the new BBQ Chicken pizza. It was delicious. The crust was thin and crispy and the pizza was drizzled with the yummiest sauce. My husband and I both enjoyed the flavor of this pizza.
There were so many new sandwiches, wraps (the club wrap was pretty tasty!), wings (the order the sweet chili boneless - thank me later), breadsticks and pizza dogs were all really good.
If you're planning a trip to Chuck E. Cheese soon I encourage you to check out the new menu. When was the last time you took a trip to see Chuck and his friends? What are you excited to try from the new menu?
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Seeking Balance as a Mom...
One day this week I was scanning my Facebook timeline and scrolled over a video of Jada Pinkett with her mother and daughter. Intrigued by the caption on the original post I decided to give Jada and her girls a few minutes of my morning.
I'm so glad I did.
Lately in my quest to become more fulfilled and balanced I have been trying to figure out exactly what I need to do to feel more well rounded. How can I feel that I have given my best each day? Is it possible to not feel like something or someone didn't get enough of my attention?
Through lots of trial and error (and the use of a planner) I realized that on the days where I actually feel like I've checked off all my boxes are the days where I have purposely taken the time to pay attention to myself.
Whether it means going to the gym, taking the time to pamper myself or getting something done on my personal to-do list I found that I am more at peace when I have done something for me. I'm not as stressed and things do not seem to bother me as much when I am taking care of myself.
Doesn't this seem like an obvious observation? You can not give what you don't have. And even though I have known this to be true doing it has been a struggle. It's no one's fault but my own if I'm not making sure that I'm truly happy and feeling good.
Sometimes it's so hard to remember to make that time for myself. Then I'm reminded that I have to be an example to Savannah. I know she's watching me. I don't ever want her to think that as a woman your life should be spent only focusing on those around you (even if you love them immensely) and never focusing on yourself.
As a role model for her I want to be a woman who does it all without becoming undone. I think the only way to do that is to make sure I'm not cheating myself out of anything. I need to continue to pursue my own dreams and do things that I enjoy.
And I know it sounds strange but I handle things so much better when I feel like I'm getting it all done. Because I'm not carrying around so much resentment, frustration or anger I'm not easily unraveled when my baby cries for an hour (or more) non-stop. I don't feel like pulling my hair out when Savannah wakes up with an extra dose of sass.
I am unbothered. Completely.
So Jada's answer to her daughter's question resonated with me because I have found it to be true for myself. What do you think?
I'm so glad I did.
Lately in my quest to become more fulfilled and balanced I have been trying to figure out exactly what I need to do to feel more well rounded. How can I feel that I have given my best each day? Is it possible to not feel like something or someone didn't get enough of my attention?
Through lots of trial and error (and the use of a planner) I realized that on the days where I actually feel like I've checked off all my boxes are the days where I have purposely taken the time to pay attention to myself.
Whether it means going to the gym, taking the time to pamper myself or getting something done on my personal to-do list I found that I am more at peace when I have done something for me. I'm not as stressed and things do not seem to bother me as much when I am taking care of myself.
Doesn't this seem like an obvious observation? You can not give what you don't have. And even though I have known this to be true doing it has been a struggle. It's no one's fault but my own if I'm not making sure that I'm truly happy and feeling good.
Sometimes it's so hard to remember to make that time for myself. Then I'm reminded that I have to be an example to Savannah. I know she's watching me. I don't ever want her to think that as a woman your life should be spent only focusing on those around you (even if you love them immensely) and never focusing on yourself.
As a role model for her I want to be a woman who does it all without becoming undone. I think the only way to do that is to make sure I'm not cheating myself out of anything. I need to continue to pursue my own dreams and do things that I enjoy.
And I know it sounds strange but I handle things so much better when I feel like I'm getting it all done. Because I'm not carrying around so much resentment, frustration or anger I'm not easily unraveled when my baby cries for an hour (or more) non-stop. I don't feel like pulling my hair out when Savannah wakes up with an extra dose of sass.
I am unbothered. Completely.
So Jada's answer to her daughter's question resonated with me because I have found it to be true for myself. What do you think?
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
2015 Goals Part One
I mentioned in another post my decision to become a Certified Personal Trainer in 2015. This is something that has been on my mind and heart all year. After having Little Mike I really wanted to get back into shape and be healthy.
Being motivated to workout and participating in the Operation Snapback run challenges really reminded me of my love for fitness. When I think back to my high school days I remember being one of a handful of girls in my physical training class.
I remember being able to lift weights and squat just as much as some of the boys in my class. Then life happened. I went to college, got married and started having babies.
In an effort to stay true to myself, I slowly got back to a place where I was eating right, drinking my green tea and working out when I can. All year I tossed around the idea of being able to help other women like me. I don't necessarily want to be a body builder or a bikini model but I do want to be healthy and look cute!
After researching many different certification organizations I decided to go with the American College of Sports Medicine. I chose them because they were the first organization to certify fitness professionals and they establish the guidelines that all other certifications use for training. I also liked that their resources for preparing for the exam were affordable.
I plan to get two certifications. One for personal training and another for group exercise classes.
Now. I also love saving money so imagine how happy I was to find all of the books I needed on eBay brand spanking new for only twenty-eight dollars with shipping!!!
If that's not a sign of confirmation I don't know what is!
I'm looking forward to this journey. Not only will I learn more about something I'm passionate about but I can also help others and even make a little bit of money doing so. HA-LAY-LEW.
Have you thought about what you may want to do in the coming year? I'll be sharing my other 2015 goal a bit later.
Being motivated to workout and participating in the Operation Snapback run challenges really reminded me of my love for fitness. When I think back to my high school days I remember being one of a handful of girls in my physical training class.
I remember being able to lift weights and squat just as much as some of the boys in my class. Then life happened. I went to college, got married and started having babies.
In an effort to stay true to myself, I slowly got back to a place where I was eating right, drinking my green tea and working out when I can. All year I tossed around the idea of being able to help other women like me. I don't necessarily want to be a body builder or a bikini model but I do want to be healthy and look cute!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Thought Bubbles
A few weeks ago these two went on a date to see The Fresh Beat Band…
My monthly grocery shopping plan is actually working. I'm surprised…
I've been wanting a fur vest since last year and every time I see them they are sold out in my size…
I can't believe Little Mike is about to be 18 months. He's a busy little something…
He also gets extremely grouchy when his sleep is interrupted. If you know us in real life you know what I'm talking about…
Little Mike also broke the glass top on an end table we've had forever. Look closely enough in the pic below and you can see it…
Meet Stanley our Elf on the Shelf. He decided to take a swing in the living room one day last week…
I have been unsuccessful in every attempt I have made to stop breastfeeding. We might have to try the cold turkey approach. Weaning isn't getting it…
Our pre-lit Christmas tree is 4 years old and the lights are starting to fade out. Please stay lit 'til Christmas…
The weather here lately has been giving me life. We have been outside so much lately…
I am so ready for my husband's holiday vacation to start. I am going to enter a straight chill zone…
Savannah got glasses and she has done so well with them….
When I get my hands on some of that new proactiv…
How is it that one second my house can be spotless and the next minute it's a hot mess…
I actually got to start reading through my CPT textbook this weekend….
I'm thinking about doing a 2015 vision board. The last time I did a vision board everything on it came to pass….
A friend of mine introduced me to Buddy-Bot. If you have kids and love hip-hop music Buddy-Bot is a must. We have been jammin' to his kid friendly rhymes and hot beats all weekend...
Whenever I see a screen shot I always look at how much battery the person has. LOL!!!
Do you have any breastfeeding weaning tips for me? Have you ever done a vision board?
Meet Stanley our Elf on the Shelf. He decided to take a swing in the living room one day last week…
I'm thinking about doing a 2015 vision board. The last time I did a vision board everything on it came to pass….
A friend of mine introduced me to Buddy-Bot. If you have kids and love hip-hop music Buddy-Bot is a must. We have been jammin' to his kid friendly rhymes and hot beats all weekend...
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Hello December...
It's the last month of the year and I can not believe it. Where did 2014 go?
I hope your Thanksgiving was delicious. Our's was great. Very low-key and chill. It was perfect. After dinner we put up our Christmas decorations. I have officially jumped into the Christmas spirit even though it's just beginning to look like Fall here.
I've been playing Christmas music and doing holiday themed activities with the kids. This week Savannah and I are talking about the Advent calendar. I really should start wrapping their gifts but there's something about procrastinating until Christmas Eve that I enjoy.
On another note, I have been reflecting a lot about this space. My goal for 2015 is to be more consistent (which was also my goal for 2014 - don't judge) and to really allow this blog to be a reflection of my life. In 2015 I also hope to become a certified personal trainer. My textbooks and study resources have been ordered and I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. Highlighters would be an awesome stocking stuffer for me this year, hint hint.
More on how I came to the decision to become a CPT later. Have you already started on your goals for 2015? I know, I know, we gotta thru Christmas first, right?